A LEADING college unveiled a new facility designed to give learners a welcoming and supportive space to meet, relax, and access key services during their studies.
The dedicated Student Union hub at Coleg Cambria’s Yale site in Wrexham aims to enrich and promote wellbeing, inclusion, and personal development alongside academia.
Supported by Medr, the development has already proved popular with learners since opening its doors.
It brings together a wide range of support services under one roof, reflecting the college’s ongoing commitment to wellbeing, diversity, equality, and inclusion.
The hub also plays an important role in enhancing the overall learner experience – offering students a space to connect socially, take part in extra-curricular activities, and explore student-led opportunities that help them develop new skills and confidence beyond the classroom.
The hub is home to the Student Voice and Enterprise teams and serves as a focal point for clubs and societies, financial guidance, entrepreneurship initiatives, the chaplaincy, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
A clothes ‘swap shop’ and plans to collaborate with local sports teams on merchandise sales further highlight its focus on sustainability and community engagement.
Student Voice Engagement Coordinator Mark-Ryan Hughes said the concept had been in development for some time and that staff were delighted with the response from students.
He said: “This is a place where learners can engage with the Student Voice team, access guidance, and take part in extra-curricular activities that support their growth both academically and personally.
“The facility also acts as a link to the campus’s restaurant and canteens, helping to create a lively and sociable environment that complements day-to-day college life.”
He added that the Yale space will serve as a model for similar facilities across Coleg Cambria’s other sites in Deeside, Northop, and Llysfasi.
“The long-term goal is to provide all learners with a sense of belonging and independence, encouraging them to make new friends, access the support they need, and enjoy a positive, balanced college experience,” he said.
Coleg Cambria Chief Executive Yana Williams said the new Student Union hub represents another step forward in the college’s efforts to ensure learners feel supported and valued.
She said: “The creation of this space reinforces our commitment to providing an inclusive and engaging learning environment that goes beyond the classroom.
“We’re proud to invest in projects that help students flourish academically, personally, and socially, strengthening the sense of community across all our campuses.”
NUS Cymru President Deio Owen also praised the initiative and emphasised the importance of dedicated student spaces across Wales.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see Coleg Cambria develop this space. Facilities like these are vital for learners to access activities outside the classroom and become a central point for support.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the college work with their Students Union to develop similar spaces elsewhere and ensure that learners voices are always listened to.”